This Week in Automotive — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Mobile driving licences: new EU rules published; Decision on voluntary biofuel scheme recognition; EU–Türkiye AEO mutual recognition enters into force.
October 12, 2026 to October 18, 2026
Mobile driving licences: new EU rules published; Decision on voluntary biofuel scheme recognition; EU–Türkiye AEO mutual recognition enters into force.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On October 22, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as regards CO2 emission performance standards for new light duty vehicles and vehicle labelling and repealing Directive 1999/94/EC; Chair’s announcements.
European Commission
Tripartite Social Summit reviews competitiveness and Single Market progress
EU leaders and social partners convened in Brussels for the Tripartite Social Summit, focusing on competitiveness, quality jobs, and the future Multiannual Financial Framework. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the link between competitiveness and social fairness, referencing priorities such as affordable energy and a robust Single Market. António Costa, President of the European Council, stressed that competitiveness must support the well-being of citizens and strong companies. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, representing the rotating Council presidency, reported progress on the 'One Europe, One Market' roadmap and the MFF compromise proposal. Employer and trade union representatives addressed the need for investment, regulation simplification, and protection of social funds. The meeting confirmed continued dialogue on strengthening economic and social policy.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Detailed rules for EU-wide mobile driving licences adopted
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2266 of 13 October 2026 sets out the technical and operational framework for mobile driving licences under Directive (EU) 2025/2205. The regulation specifies security, interoperability, data protection, and procedures for cross-border exchange. Member States must notify the Commission of issuing authorities and design elements for digital licences by November 2027. The rules enter into force twenty days after publication.
EU–Türkiye mutual recognition of AEO programmes formalised
Decision No 1/2026 of the EU–Türkiye Customs Cooperation Committee, published 13 October 2026, establishes mutual recognition of the authorised economic operator (AEO) programmes between the EU and Türkiye. The Decision covers security standards, risk-based facilitation, and data protection for operators in both customs territories. The measure aims to streamline customs processes for certified operators and is based on the SAFE Framework of the World Customs Organization.
Recognition of voluntary scheme for biofuels and renewable fuels compliance
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2316, dated 15 October 2026, recognises the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) EU RED voluntary scheme for demonstrating compliance with Directive (EU) 2018/2001. The scheme covers sustainability and greenhouse gas savings criteria for biofuels, bioliquids, biomass fuels, renewable fuels of non-biological origin, and recycled carbon fuels. It replaces Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/607 and will apply until November 2031.
EU Council
Environment Council sets negotiation positions ahead of COP31
The Environment Council discussed the proposed review of the EU’s emissions trading system and adopted conclusions on the Union's main positions for the upcoming United Nations climate change (COP31) and biodiversity (COP17) summits.
